Globe public editor: When a headline misses the point

By Sylvia Stead, public editor of The Globe and Mail

By Sylvia Stead, public editor of The Globe and Mail

This story and the headline, “What to do if you’re caught texting behind the wheel,” sparked anger in a letter published in the Globe and Mail and in the comments online.

“What to do if you’re caught texting behind the wheel (March 17): I look forward to future instalments in this series like ‘What to do if you’re caught drinking and driving.’ What happened to responsible journalism?” Peter Gorman wrote.

Others commented online in the same vein. “This article is irresponsible! How about discussing the real dangers of texting and driving instead of posting an article that tells you how to fight the charges?” said the top-rated comment online.

There have been strong articles as part of a series in The Globe recently on the dangers of texting and driving. This heartbreaking one by Jessica Leeder, titled “Distracted driving now deadlier than impaired driving,” lays bare the tragic consequences of texting and driving. It also includes a list of laws and penalties for distracted driving across the country.

Peter Cheney also wrote about his view that distracted driving needs to become as unacceptable as driving drunk. There is also this piece, titled “Distracted driving: ‘Multitasking is a myth,’ ” by Robert Collison.

All of these are responsible stories outlining the dangers of a serious public-safety issue.

To continue reading this column, please visit theglobeandmail.com, where it was originally published.

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